JACKSON – Jackson Officer John Roth was recently honored with the Kimberly Smith-Ames DWI Prevention Award for his commitment to safety and DWI enforcement in Jackson Township.
On Dec. 20, Officer Roth was recognized as the award recipient from Ocean County, leading the Jackson Police Department with DWI arrests thus far this year.
The DWI Prevention Award, sponsored by the Ocean and Monmouth County Police Traffic Safety Officers’ Associations, is named in honor of drunk driving victim Kimberly Smith-Ames. On October 7, 1998, Kimberly was killed by a drunk driver in Beachwood in a crash that also claimed the life of her unborn baby. Kimberly was just 23 years old at the time.
In an effort to keep Kimberly’s memory alive, the Ocean and Monmouth County Traffic Safety Officers’ Associations honor hard-working officers with this annual recognition.
Officer Roth has served with the Jackson Police Department since 2016. Prior to joining the department, he served as a seasonal officer with the Seaside Heights Police Department and as a sheriff’s officer with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.
Officer Roth is also a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and is the founder of “Recalibrate,” a non-profit organization providing peer support to military veterans.
“The Jackson Police Department would like to congratulate PO Roth for this recognition, as well as all of this year’s nominees, including Toms River Township Police Officer Ryan Fitzgerald. Prior to his employment with TRPD, PO Fitzgerald served as a part-time officer with the Jackson Police Department,” stated Captain Steven Laskiewicz.
Police are reminding residents that the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” DWI Enforcement Campaign is still in effect. Extra patrols are being assigned throughout the state this holiday season, including Jackson Township.
